The hot list – October 2017

The gadget war is on with both Google and Apple unveiling swathes of new products. Lucky for you, we’ve got the lowdown on the key pieces of tech that could change your business in the months to come

iPhone X

Hardware

Even though most of its specs had already been leaked beforehand, the iPhone X still created a big buzz when it was officially unveiled at Apple’s September event. And for good reason: the phone is a serious upgrade from previous models. For instance, this is Apple’s first phablet with an edge-to-edge OLED screen: given the home button and its fingerprint scanner have been removed, the new phone can be unlocked with a simple glance thanks to its face-scanning tech Face ID. This is accomplished thanks to the new A11 Bionic chip, which packs 25% more processing power than the iPhone 7’s Apple A10 chip. Not only does it have enough power to make Face ID safe to use with Apple Pay but it is also supports augmented reality (AR). Add to that wireless charging and it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about.

Apple Watch 3

Hardware

Given that people around the world are increasingly becoming obsessed with tracking their health, it’s hardly surprising that the value of the wearable gadget market is expected to double by 2021. And Apple aims to lead the charge with the Apple Watch Series 3. The main feature setting it apart from the competition is that it comes with the option of adding a mobile plan, which enables users to receive calls and stream music on the go without having to bring a chunky phablet with them. Additionally, the Series 3 has also been pimped up with a faster dual-core S3 processor, Bluetooth 4.2 and an altimeter, making it a must-have for fitness-obsessed tech aficionados.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Hardware

From Pixel Pods to the Clips camera, Google unveiled a smattering of new products at its annual conference. But none will give Apple a run for its money like the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. While staying true to the design of last year’s model, the new five- and six-inch versions don’t shy away from incorporating fresh features like AR technology. It also comes with the squeeze function spearheaded by HTC U11 earlier this year, providing quick access to Google Assistant or making it easy to snap selfies by simply squeezing the phones. However, it’s not just about what Google has added but also about the things it has taken away: following in the footsteps of the iPhone, both Pixels comes without a headphone jack. But with features like these, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL provide Apple with some healthy competition.

Pixelbook

Hardware

Entrepreneurs are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to laptops. Not only has last year alone seen a raft of new laptops like Surface Laptop and MacBook Pro hit the market but now founders have more options than ever with the release of Google’s Pixelbook. For starters, the laptop comes with a choice of 64GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage and either a Core i5 or a Core i7 processor, while the touchscreen combined with the newly released Pixelbook Pen is particularly useful for creative professionals. And just like the other devices Google unveiled at the beginning of October, the Pixelbook comes with Google Assistant. With a starting price of £999, this laptop is sure to be the perfect pick for a few founders.

Home Mini and Home Max

Hardware

Google is serious about smart speakers. Having released its Amazon Echo rival Home last year, the company has doubled down on its efforts with the Home Mini and the Home Max. Both devices enable users to do things like controlling the lights and playing music with simple voice commands. But while the Mini is a clear rival to the Echo Dot, the Max is an option for serious audiophiles. With 20 times more powerful sound than the original Google Home, it comes complete with machine-learning capabilities, for example enabling it to learn what volume you prefer throughout the day, as well as adjusting its levels to the room, what’s happening in it and what you’re listening to. With Christmas around the corner, we bet the Home Mini and Max are going to be on quite a few people’s wish lists.

About the Author

As feature writer and resident Viking, Johansson ensures EB is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific tech writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness.